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19 March 2024

Parents accountable for kids' firecrackers

Published
By VM Sathish

Using fireworks is not child’s play,and Dubai Police have sent out a strong message to parents to be vigilant about their children using firecrackers.

During a month-long crackdown, erring parents will be held accountable for their negligence in allowing kids to play with firecrackers.

Announcing details of Stop, Stay Safe Campaign by Dubai Police to curb illegal use and trade of fireworks in Dubai, senior police officials have said no individual is allowed to buy or sell firecrackers in Dubai and there will be stringent action against individuals using fireworks or stores selling firecrackers that can cause death or permanent disability to the users and bystanders.

Every year, scores of people get injured due to firecrackers and a majority of the injuries affect children, especially affecting their eyesight, limbs, severe burns and permanent hearing difficulties from exposure to loud sound.

According to Dubai Police, children die due to firecracker accidents and it is advisable to make celebrations playful and not painful.

It is the responsibility of elder family members to prevent children and youth from misusing firecrackers, especially during Ramadan, Eid and Diwali festivals.

Announcing the third edition of its ‘Stop! Stay Safe’ campaign aimed at creating awareness on the potential dangers of using fireworks, officials from Dubai Police General Department of Protective Security and Emergency - Explosive and Security Department (ESD) said use of fireworks by residents is a legal offence in Dubai.

The awareness campaign starting on June 1 from Arabian Center, will cover other shopping malls like Al Ghurair Centre, Lamcy Plaza, Al Etihad, Karama Center, bus activities, Belromitha Club, the India Club, and the concluding event will be at the Modesh City for children.

Dubai Police have reminded parents that it is their duty to stop their children from using firecrackers, advising parents is to cooperate with the police by constantly monitoring their children and preventing them from buying and using fireworks.

Even if children are using fireworks without the knowledge of parents or other elders in the family, parents of the errant kids caught using fireworks will be held accountable for their children’s actions, officials announced. However, they did not disclose the penalty to be imposed on erring parents.

Officials have added that the major firework displays in Dubai are conducted by licensed companies under the strict monitoring and licensing of Dubai Police, Economic Department, the Ministry of Interior, etc. and no company is allowed to sell fireworks to the general public. “Even the transportation of fireworks used for major works is under the strict control of Dubai Police and their employees are also professionals,” the officials said.

Dubai Police also urged the general public to report any person using fireworks or any store selling firecrackers and related products, so the department concerned can take stringent actions against the owners of such stores and ensure safety of the residents.

Brigadier Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police, said, “Fireworks are powerful enough to cause serious life-long injuries to their users and innocent bystanders. Avoiding their use is a moral, social and religious duty. There is a remarkable increase in the use of fireworks to celebrate feasts. This phenomenon causes extreme danger and it is our duty to prevent it. Hence, preventing the growing use of fireworks requires cooperation by the public.”

Colonel Expert Khalil Obaid Al Bishri, Director of Explosive and Security Department at Dubai Police, said, “The family role is imperative in ensuring that children do not use fireworks. Parents allow their children to use these explosive items do so without understanding the danger they are putting the children in. Using fireworks may start out as a fun but can easily end in permanent disability or death.”

He added: “It is the duty of each family to prevent its children from playing with fireworks and to convert their energy and interest into more beneficial pursuits.”.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayob Abdullah Ibrahim Kankazar will monitor different phases of implementing the work plan of the fireworks awareness campaign.

Lieutenant Humaid Sultan bin Dalmouk will supervise the prepara tion of programs for the campaign including implementation, providing logistical support and managing campaign productions. Hadeel Yahya Al Hubaishi is the general coordinator of the campaign. She will prepare all activities during Ramadan and coordinate with all internal and external partners.